Offered in partnership with Chester Zoo, this MSc empowers you to tackle the world’s most pressing biodiversity challenges. You’ll dive into real-world conservation issues, gain cutting-edge knowledge in animal health and welfare, and develop advanced research and analytical skills. With hands-on experience alongside leading conservation professionals, you’ll graduate ready to take on leadership roles and make a meaningful impact on wildlife health and conservation across the globe.
The MSc in Wildlife Health and Conservation empowers you to confront some of the world’s most urgent biodiversity challenges. You’ll gain the scientific knowledge, practical expertise, and professional experience needed to design and deliver impactful conservation solutions. From evaluating threats to species survival to developing integrated management strategies for animals in the wild and in conservation breeding programmes, you’ll learn to think critically and act decisively in the face of complex global issues.
This programme is led by renowned academics from Liverpool’s Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences and enriched through our strategic partnership with Chester Zoo – one of the world’s leading conservation organisations. You’ll benefit from specialist teaching by industry professionals, hands-on experience in internationally recognised welfare assessment methods, and dedicated workshops on conservation leadership. An optional 10-day overseas field course further expands your global outlook and applied experience.
Blending active learning, research innovation, and real-world application, this MSc equips you with advanced research, analytical, digital, and communication skills – preparing you to become a confident, evidence-based leader in wildlife health and conservation worldwide.
This programme is designed for graduates with a background in biological, veterinary, or environmental sciences, or related disciplines, who wish to develop expertise in wildlife health and conservation. It is also suitable for professionals working in conservation, zoological institutions, wildlife management, or animal welfare who want to enhance their skills and apply evidence-based approaches to complex conservation challenges.
This programme is also open to intercalating clinical students. Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical, dental or veterinary degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
The MSc in Wildlife Health and Conservation combines theory, research, and practical application. By combining focus on the conservation of natural populations (in-situ conservation) with the management and breeding of endangered species in zoos (ex-situ conservation), the programme provides a distinctive ‘One Plan’ approach. You will critically explore core topics in wildlife health, disease ecology, and conservation science, including the management of threatened species in in-situ and ex-situ environments.
The programme blends lectures, seminars, problem-based learning sessions, workshops, and field trips, alongside industry-relevant training. You will work directly with conservation professionals, applying scientific principles to real-world scenarios.
Please note that LIFE707 is a pre-requisite for IVES725.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION TO IVES RESEARCH (IVES701) | 30 |
| INTEGRATIVE WILDLIFE HEALTH & CONSERVATION (IVES718) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707) | 15 |
| EVOLUTION IN THE ANTHROPOCENE (IVES712) | 15 |
| ECOLOGY IN THE ANTHROPOCENE (IVES713) | 15 |
| ONE HEALTH (IVES715) | 15 |
| PLANETARY HEALTH (IVES727) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The MSc in Wildlife Health and Conservation combines theory, research, and practical application. You will critically explore core topics in wildlife health, disease ecology, and conservation science, including the management of threatened species in wild and captive populations.
The programme blends lectures, seminars, problem-based learning sessions, workshops, and field trips, alongside industry-relevant training. You will work directly with conservation professionals, applying scientific principles to real-world scenarios.
Please note that LIFE707 is a pre-requisite for IVES725.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION TO IVES RESEARCH (IVES701) | 30 |
| ADVANCED WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN PRACTICE (IVES731) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
A substantial independent research project will allow you to investigate a current issue in wildlife health or conservation, developing your capacity for original and applied research.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| IVES RESEARCH PROJECT (IVES702) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The programme’s teaching approach combines problem-based learning, lectures, seminars, workshops, and field trips, emphasizing problem solving, critical thinking and applied research.
Assessments include coursework, reports, presentations and research projects, designed to develop and evaluate students analytical, communication and practical skills.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Intercalation allows you take a break from your degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your degree.
In semesters 1 and 2, students will follow research-connected modules on the main campus in central Liverpool and at Chester Zoo. This will include diverse lectures, seminars, problem-based learning and practical sessions. Students will also engage with a range of online materials in their own time. The third semester is entirely dedicated to the Project.
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Graduates of the MSc in Wildlife Health and Conservation are equipped to make a real difference in the future of global biodiversity. The skills you’ll gain—ranging from advanced research and data analysis to fieldwork, leadership, and communication—open doors to a wide range of career paths.
For those interested in further study, this MSc also provides an excellent foundation for PhD research or specialist roles at the interface of wildlife health, conservation, and global health.
With training from leading industry experts and authentic, real-world assessments, you’ll graduate with the confidence, expertise, and experience to stand out in a competitive and rewarding field—ready to take on leadership roles that drive positive change for wildlife and people.
Potential career destinations for graduates include:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £14,000
Part-time place, per year - £7,000
Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Fees stated are for the 2026-27 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
For compulsory module IVES731, you’ll be required to fund your own travel to and from Chester Zoo for five days.
For compulsory module IVES718, you’ll be required to fund your own travel to and from two field trips within the Merseyside, Wirral and Cheshire areas.
If you opt for the Global Change Biology field course, you’ll be responsible for covering your own vaccination and anti-malarial costs, as required for international travel.
While the base fee of £800 is included in the course costs, a top-up fee (additional to the course tuition fee) may be required if the total cost of the field course (including flights, permits, accommodation, and food) exceeds this amount. We estimate the potential top-up fee will be up to £800, depending on final arrangements and external factors (such as flight prices). We’ll provide detailed information as early as possible to assist with financial planning.
You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | Students will be expected to hold a 2:2 undergraduate degree. If you’re an international student, you must have an equivalent qualification. This should be in a related discipline, such as biology, zoology, veterinary science, or bioveterinary science. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 15 July 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions